Latest News
- Marcus Ericsson claims victory at inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham
- Trump orders reduction in childhood vaccines as Kennedy’s research stalls
- Sainsbury’s halts facial recognition at London store after false accusation
- Twelve people killed in tourist bus crash on M3 motorway in Hungary
- EU proposes major tobacco tax overhaul, raising cigarette duties by 139%
- US economy shows signs of recovery as inflation rates begin to stabilize
- Thieves steal Renaissance masterworks from MuMe museum during Ferragosto holiday
- Grizzly bear escapes enclosure at Calgary Zoo before being recaptured
EU
The EU is revising the Tobacco Taxation Directive, proposing a 139 per cent increase in minimum excise duties on cigarettes. This overhaul also aims to establish EU-wide minimum taxes on vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, marking the most significant change in tobacco taxes in over a decade.
Wildfires are raging across Belgium, Germany, France, Croatia, Spain, and Greece amid extreme heat and dry conditions. In Belgium, a major blaze has consumed 3,000 hectares in the High Fens reserve, prompting the deployment of over 250 firefighters and international aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Two Spanish F-18 fighter jets intercepted and destroyed an unidentified drone in Romanian airspace early on Sunday, 24 kilometres north of Galati. Defence Minister Miruta confirmed the incident, highlighting Romania’s role in the European Union’s defence and the importance of vigilance amid ongoing tensions with Russia and Ukraine.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Ministers are meeting in Brussels this morning to discuss measures to curb energy prices and inflation.
Germany supports considering the release of oil reserves but emphasises that now is not the right time to proceed.
EUREPE MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, the president of the Eurogroup expressed concerns regarding the EU’s stability. Oil prices have risen above $100 amid ongoing disruptions in energy markets due to the Iran war.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, tensions escalate as Hungary blocks a vital €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, amid accusations and threats between leaders. The European Union faces urgent pressure to resolve the situation before looming deadlines.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Member states have largely dismissed the idea of revamping accession rules for a “reversed” membership for Ukraine this morning.
This follows ongoing discussions within the European Union on membership criteria.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Today, Finnish Minister of Interior Affairs Mari Rantanen emphasised that Europe’s migration policies require more than just solidarity. This statement reflects ongoing debates regarding immigration strategies in the region.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Overnight, Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar urged Russia to avoid interfering in the upcoming parliamentary elections, amid claims of a covert operation to support Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s re-election.
© 2026 WTX News.